Ultimate Guide to Sewing Machine Thread
Welcome to the ultimate guide to sewing machine thread! Whether you're a beginner just starting your sewing journey or an experienced sewer, quilter, or garment maker, this guide has everything you need to know about choosing the right thread for your projects. We carry top brands like Mettler, Isacord, Maxilock, and Aurifil to meet all your sewing needs.
Understanding Thread Basics: Fiber Types & Thread Weights
Fiber Types in Sewing Machine Thread
When selecting sewing machine thread, understanding fiber types is crucial, as they influence the performance, durability, and appearance of your finished project. The most common thread fibers are cotton, polyester, and blends, each with unique properties tailored to specific sewing needs.
- Cotton Threads: These are natural, breathable, and ideal for quilting or sewing on natural fabrics like cotton or linen. They create a smooth, matte finish that blends seamlessly into the fabric, making them perfect for projects where a soft, traditional look is desired.
- Polyester Threads: Strong and slightly elastic, polyester threads are versatile and suitable for various applications, from garment construction to home decor. Their durability makes them resistant to stretching, breaking, and fading, ensuring a longer lifespan for your projects.
- Blended Threads: Combining fibers like cotton and polyester, these threads offer the best of both worlds—the natural appearance of cotton with the added strength and flexibility of polyester. They are excellent for general-purpose sewing and work well on a wide range of fabrics.
Specialty fibers, such as rayon or nylon, are often used for embroidery or decorative stitching, adding a glossy finish and vibrant colors. By choosing the right fiber type for your project, you ensure smoother stitching, better compatibility with your fabric, and a polished final result.
Thread Weights Explained
Thread weight is a key factor in sewing, as it determines the thickness, strength, and suitability of the thread for different projects. Understanding thread weight ensures that your stitching complements the fabric and achieves the desired aesthetic and durability.
- 50 Weight (50 wt): A versatile, medium-thickness thread commonly used for quilting, general sewing, and piecing. Its balanced thickness allows it to blend well into seams while providing adequate strength.
- 40 Weight (40 wt): Slightly thicker than 50 wt, this thread is ideal for embroidery and decorative stitching, where a more prominent thread line is desired. It adds texture and visibility to designs.
- 12 Weight (12 wt): A very heavy thread, best for hand quilting, embellishment, and bold stitching that creates a striking visual impact.
Higher thread weights, such as 60 wt or 80 wt, are finer and often used for detailed embroidery, heirloom sewing, or lightweight fabrics like silk. The thread weight system can sometimes vary between manufacturers, so it's helpful to check thread labels and test compatibility with your fabric and sewing machine. Choosing the appropriate thread weight ensures smoother stitching, better fabric integrity, and an aesthetically pleasing finish.
Specialty Threads: Designed for Specific Applications
Specialty threads are crafted to meet the unique demands of particular sewing applications, ensuring optimal performance and professional-looking results. These threads enhance your sewing experience and allow you to tackle a variety of projects with precision.
- Embroidery Threads: Designed for creating intricate and decorative designs, embroidery threads like Isacord are known for their smooth texture, vibrant colors, and slight sheen. These threads are typically made from polyester or rayon, offering strength and a polished finish that stands out in embroidered patterns.
- Serger Threads: Specifically developed for use in serger machines, threads like Maxilock are thinner and stronger to withstand the high-speed stitching of sergers. They’re ideal for garment construction, offering clean, durable seams and a professional finish.
- Metallic Threads: These threads feature a reflective surface that adds a shimmering effect to decorative stitching and embroidery. Metallic threads require careful handling to prevent breakage and are best suited for slower sewing speeds.
- Invisible Threads: Often made from nylon or polyester, these fine, transparent threads are used for quilting and stitching when you want the thread to blend seamlessly into the fabric, such as with applique or multi-colored fabrics.
- Elastic Threads: Perfect for shirring or gathering, elastic threads add stretch to your projects. These are commonly used in garments like smocked dresses or fitted clothing.
Choosing the right specialty thread for your application ensures optimal results while enhancing the durability and appearance of your finished work. Be sure to adjust your machine settings and use appropriate needles to accommodate specialty threads for smoother sewing.
Shop Threads Now
Ready to purchase? Browse our selection of high-quality threads today, or visit us in-store at our Walnut Creek location in the Bay Area to explore our full selection.
Here is a general guideline for thread recommendations based on sewing applications:
- Quilting: Aurifil or Mettler cotton threads for strength and finish.
- Garment Making: Maxilock serger threads for sergers and Mettler polyester thread for sewing machines.
- Embroidery: Isacord threads for vibrant, durable designs.
- General Sewing: Mettler polyester or cotton threads for versatile use.
Mettler Thread: Silk-Finish Cotton
$3.30
Mettler Silk-Finish Cotton Thread, perfect for quilting, sewing, and embroidery. Whether for quilting, sewing or matte embroidery, this sewing thread can be your companion for a great variety of projects. A mercerization process during the thread production makes the sewing thread more tearproof, low-shrink and iron-proof. With this sewing thread you are buying high-quality paired with versatility, a true all-rounder!
50-weight | 150 meters/ 164 yards
Mettler Thread: Metrosene Polyester
$3.15
Mettler’s 50 weight Metrosene Polyester Thread is high-quality, all-purpose thread ideal for sewing garments, quilting, and crafts. Durable and versatile, this thread is known for its excellent colorfastness, strength, and smooth stitching. Each spool measures 150 meters (164 yards).
50 weight | 150 meters (164 yards)
Isacord Embroidery Thread
$5.89
Isacord Embroidery Thread is a premium-quality polyester thread designed specifically for machine embroidery. Known for its superior strength, brilliant colorfastness, and silky sheen, Isacord ensures stunning results. Each spool contains 1000 meters (1094 yards) of reliable, vibrant thread.
40WT | 1,000 meter mini-king spools | Polyester
Isacord Variegated Embroidery Thread
$10.00
High quality polyester embroidery thread for embroidery machines.
Aurifil Thread 50 WT
$12.99
Aurifil Thread 50 wt is the ultimate versatile cotton thread, perfect for quilting, piecing, appliqué, and sewing projects. Made from premium Egyptian cotton, this strong, smooth thread ensures precise seams and minimal lint. Each spool contains 1300 meters (1422 yards) in vibrant, colorfast shades.
Large spool: 1422 yards|1300 meters
100% Egyptian Cotton 2PLY 50WT
Aurifil Thread 40 wt
$12.99
Aurifil Thread 40 wt is premium-quality Egyptian cotton thread designed for quilting, embroidery, and decorative sewing. Slightly thicker than the 50 wt, it delivers bold, defined stitches with exceptional strength and minimal lint. Each spool contains 1300 meters (1422 yards) in vibrant, colorfast shades.
Large spool: 1422 yards|1300 meters
100% Egyptian Cotton 2PLY 50WT
Aurifil 12 wt Thread
$12.99
High Quality Egyptian Cotton Sewing Thread, perfect for quilts and clothes.
Maxi-Lock Serger Thread Cone
$4.59
Maxi-Lock is a high quality thread suited for serging and coverstitching
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